Self-storing basketball goal system

ABSTRACT

A modular self-storing basketball goal system includes a foundation box having a pivotable top cover movable from a horizontal closed position and a vertical open position for deployment of a basketball game upward therefrom. The basketball goal includes a post assembly having a backboard and rim attachable at a top end. The post, backboard and hoop are stored within the foundation box when the basketball game goal is not deployed. The post extends up from the top cover for deploying the basketball game goal. Folding locking struts support the top cover during use. The post assembly is telescoped and folded down to fit into the foundation box, along with the backboard and hoop for storage.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to convenient, user operable, self-storingbasketball goal systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Basketball goals in residential areas are often an eyesore, especiallyafter a few years of weather deterioration. In some neighborhoods, localordinances have restricted the location of such devices or have outrightbanned permanent erection of basketball goals. To attempt to answer theperceived need, the prior art reveals several inventions relating toportable basketball goals.

Most existing basketball systems are semi-permanent when assembled, orare only partially diassembleable. Such systems include, as examples, USPatent Publication Number 2004/0157688 of Schroeder et al, U.S. Pat. No.5,100,132 of Anderson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,909 of Wendell, U.S. Pat. No.5,628,508 of Koole, U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,668 of Hege et al, U.S. Pat. No.5,772,167, also of Koole, U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,294 of Naecker, Jr., U.S.Pat. No. 5,902,197 of Davis et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,847 of vanNimwegen et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,602 of Allen et al, U.S. Pat. No.6,783,472 B1 of Stanford et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,866,696 B2 of Steed etal and U.S. Pat. No. 6,881,163 B2 of Schroeder et al.

One basketball backboard and net set (U.S. Pat. No. 3,716,234 ofLancelotti) is disassembleable into a box, but all the parts have to betaken apart by loosening rigid nuts and bolts, which of curse aresubject to strength requirements for removal and become tighter as timegoes on due to the effects of outdoor weather.

None offer the combined features of self-storage at the playing site,high goal stability with desirable offset between post and backboard,and ease of erection or disassembly without the use of tools.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide aconvenient, user operable, self-storing basketball goal system.

Other objects which become apparent from the following description ofthe present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In keeping with these objects and others which may become apparent, theself-storing basketball goal system of this invention provides awatertight storage compartment in a foundation box. The foundation boxis preferably installed within the ground so that the post assemblyattaches to a top cover thereof flush with the ground.

However, alternatively, it can be a remote storage container where thepost assembly attaches to one or more keyways in the playing surface,such as a gymnasium floor, a driveway or a patio. When the foundationbox is installed within the ground, it is accessible via a lid that isflush mounted with the ground surface. When not in use, all threesubassemblies (rim, backboard, and post) are stored within thecompartment. When in use, the post is assembled and locked to the lid ofthe storage compartment; the rim and backboard are attached to the post,and the entire task is completed in short time without the use of anytools. The post assembly is very robust, and its cantilever removes thepost from the playing area providing safety for aggressive fast play.The goal stability is much higher and not subject to tip, like otherportable goals. Existing portable goals are also too heavy andcumbersome to move, and too big to store. The rim height can be easilyadjusted to accommodate shorter players. Auxiliary mounting plates canbe installed to provide alternate playing areas to receive the goalsystem remote from its storage area. Three small floor plates withfemale socket features matching those on the auxiliary mounting platescan be mounted flush on a gym floor at the proper spacing to receive thepost assembly of this basketball goal system for portable indoor use ina gym area.

The foundation box with storage compartment is installed in an excavatedarea below grade, or is a remote storage container. When installed inthe ground, this foundation for the goal system is installed without theuse of concrete which makes it relatively easy to remove and reinstallin another location. Also, the installation area is not permanentlyaltered, be it lawn area or beach sand. In some types of rocky soilmaterial, it is adequate to just bury the foundation box to achievesufficient stability. In sandy areas or in lighter soil, a ballast, suchas a ballast box, ballast plate or other ballasted retaining area, isfirst installed and filled with heavy ballast such as rocks. The ballastbox is installed and carefully leveled at a depth such that thefoundation box which is then bolted to its top rim will have its lidflush with the ground surface. The ballast box has a bottom panel thatcan be removed during installation. The person performing the excavationcan actually stand in a hole below the ballast box through this panelhole to more easily perform the leveling operation. After leveling, thefoot hole is back-filled, and the bottom panel is bolted back in placebefore the ballast is introduced.

The post assembly is articulated and telescoping to fit into arelatively small storage compartment. It is preferably constructed ofaluminum square tubing of the order of four inches square. By “tubing”it is noted that while the preferably crossection of the tubing issquare, it can have any geometric crossection, such as circular,triangular, rectangular or otherwise.

The main post is foldable and/or telescopic in sections, so that it fitswith the backboard and removable hoop rim within the foundation box. Themain post is foldable and optionally also telescopic in a plurality ofsections, preferably in four sections. A bottom length telescopes intoan equal length section which is hinged to a similar upper section withits own telescoping section within; the telescoping upper section isthen hinged to a shorter backboard attachment section. The telescopingmembers are captive within the outer members and preferably telescopefreely on internal low friction sleeves (such as Teflon TM). Allsections of the post assembly are preferably pre-attached; another partis a sleeve which rides on the outer lower section (again with lowfriction internal sleeve). This sleeve collar carries a plurality ofsupport struts, preferably two struts, which attach to the playingsurface, such as to the lid of the storage compartment as does thebottom distal end of the lower telescoping section which attaches firstvia a rotary motion into a triple keyway. The two struts are preferablylocked into the base by straightening a lock, such as a folding lockinghorizontal strut which action forces the strut bottoms laterally withintheir straight keyways. Note that the lid of the storage box is sturdilylocked shut via a lock, such as a pair of cam locks that are thenprevented from opening by interference from the two struts locked intotheir respective keyways adjacent to the lock handles.

The backboard attaches to the attachment post via a fastener, such as ahinged member on a bracket which is locked around the post via afastener, such as a toggle latch clamp. The rim attaches to the samepost in the same manner via a fastener, such as through a rectangularhole in the bottom center of the backboard surface. The rim also engagesthe bottom of the backboard, creating a second attachment point for thebackboard to the post.

Preferably, fasteners, such as two spring-loaded index pins are attachedto the upper surfaces of the two members with telescoping sectionswithin. The bottom-most section is pulled out until its index holematches up and is locked via the index pin. The upper telescopingsection is advanced to the desired length (or all the way for regulationrim height) and the index pin is received into the nearest index hole.These holes are spaced about 3″ apart to provide this adjustment. Afterthe telescoping sections are secured via the spring pins, the mast israised to the operational angle which is preferably approximately 60degrees from the horizontal, although other structurally sound angles oforientation may be employed. At this point, the collar to which thestruts are pivoted is aligned with the lower folding member near itsbottom end such that side holes align with through holes in the foldingmember; a spring pin is inserted through the collar and post memberlocking them together. Thus the post erection is completed.

The actual assembly sequence of the three subsystems starts withunlatching the cam locks securing the cover of the base storage box; thecover is then opened and the backboard, rim and post assembly areretrieved from the storage compartment. Then the cover is re-closed andsecurely latched by the cam locks. Now the folded post assembly isattached to the base by inserting the distal end into keyways andapplying a clockwise twist action. The support struts are then insertedinto their keyways on the base storage box cover. The articulatedsections of the post assembly are then unfolded, and the telescopingsections are pulled out of their housing members. At this point, theangle of the post has been reduced to bring the distal end down to about3.5 feet so the rim and backboard can be mounted. The rim and backboardare then attached via their respective fasteners, such as toggle latchclamps. The post is then raised to its play position and secured byinserting a spring pin through the collar assembly.

Disassembly of the three subsystems is started by lowering the post tothe low intermediate position by removing the spring pin from thecollar. Then the rim and backboard are detached. Once the post islowered, the rim and backboard are detached by releasing theirrespective fasteners, such as one or more toggle latch clamps. Then thetelescoping sections are pushed into their housing members andarticulated sections are folded. The support struts are released fromthe base. Now the post assemble is released from the base by acounterclockwise twist and lift action. At this point, the backboard,rim and post assembly are placed in the base storage box and secured viacam locks. The two normal hinges and adjacent locking spring pins whichare used with the articulated sections can be replaced with adjustablelocking hinges of the type often used with adjustable high-end ladders.These are easily operated by pulling a handle or pushing a knob againstspring resistance; they are more convenient and eliminate the separatespring pin parts.

In an alternate embodiment of this self-storing portable basketballgoal, a different configuration with all components pre-attached to theinside of the lid of the watertight storage compartment is described.The post is in a ladder configuration with preferably two parallelstructural members which are pre-attached to the backboard at theirdistal end. Single structural members can also be used. In operation,the lid of the storage compartment is opened vertically to 90 degreesand locked in place with one or more locking struts, preferably twolocking struts. The two folding struts which are straightened into anoblique angle and locked. Attached to the lid are one or more,preferably two parallel post members which are preferable aluminumsquare tubing, although other tubing crossections may be employed. Eachpreferably has an equal length telescoping member within which iswithdrawn to a desired height (after the other distal members areadjusted) and locked in place by a fastener, such as a spring pin whichis inserted through a hole near the top end of the members attached tothe lid and also through one of a line of holes in the telescopingmembers. The telescoping members are attached together by a horizontalshaft near their top distal ends. An articulated member is also hingedat this site on each side. These are swung over the top of thetelescoping members and locked into a single prescribed position ofabout an angle of 48 degrees to the horizontal via spring pins adjacentto the hinges. The distal ends of these parallel angled members arethemselves similarly preferably attached together by a horizontal shaftand pivoted to the backboard structural members via fasteners, such ashinges and spring pins. Although a unitary backboard can be used, forspace saving storage, preferably the backboard has two folding wings,one at each side that must be opened and locked in the open positionprior to play. The rim is hinged and is swung down and locked intoposition at a right angle to the backboard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can best be understood in 15 connection with theaccompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited tothe precise embodiments shown in drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the self-storing portable basketballgoal of this invention as erected and ready for use;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the post assembly as folded into aconfiguration which fits in the storage box;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the backboard assembly showing the toggle latchclamp locking configuration;

FIG. 4 is a back view of the backboard;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the rim assembly showing the toggle latch clampattachment configuration;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the rim assembly;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the watertight foundation box with lidpartially open;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the ballast box with removable bottomplate;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an excavation in progress with ballast boxinstalled and excavator's feet extending below bottom of ballast boxthrough the bottom hatch;

FIG. 10 is a side subterranean view of foundation box with storagecompartment attached to the ballast box;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the basketball goal erected with anintermediate low position shown in dashed lines;

FIG. 12 is a top view of an auxiliary mounting plate showing the femalekeyways which are used to anchor the post assembly;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a kit consisting of three keyway plateswhich can be installed flush with a wooden gym floor to permit interioruse of the basketball goal of this invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective detail of an adjustable locking hinge which canbe used with this invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theself-storing basketball goal wherein all components are pre-attached tothe lid of the watertight storage compartment, and

FIG. 16 is a side view of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 15 showingthe details of the telescoping and articulated sections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows basketball goal 1 erected and ready for play. Area 3 is theplaying area, while region 2 can be an adjacent lawn or sand or soilarea. Post assembly 4 (as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 11) includes ofvarious components that are all attached together. It folds andtelescopes into the compact configuration shown in FIG. 2 for storage inthe watertight storage compartment of foundation box 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, post assembly 4 includes base pivot 15, captivebottom telescoping section 16, bottom main tube 17, upper main tube 18,captive upper telescoping tube 20, backboard attachment tube 52, andstrut collar 25 with struts 26 and 27 and strut base pivots 28 and 29.

Low friction sleeves are used within tubes 17 and 18 to facilitate easytravel of captive telescoping sections 16 and 20 respectively. The lowfriction sleeves are sized to come together to block over travel of thetelescoping members 16, 17 and 18, 20.

Lid 11 is hinged to box 10 by hinge 12; it has keyways under base pivot15 and under strut pivots 28 and 29. Folding horizontal strut 13 ispivoted on struts 26 and 27 keeping them spread apart and engaged withkeyways in lid 11 when it is locked in the straight position.

Both backboard 33 and rim 32 are attached to the distal end section ofpost assembly 4 which is section 52 as shown in FIG. 2. Note that tubingsection 52 is hinged via hinge 53 to the distal end of telescoping tube20.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show backboard 33 with frame 35, face board 36 (preferablypolycarbonate), mounting crossbar 37 and lower rim accommodating region38. The frame 35 and mounting hardware (wall 39, swinging gate with afastener, such as a toggle latch clamp 41 and wall 40 with clamp hook 40a) are preferably aluminum components which can be welded in place. Theenclosed area 42 engages post square tubing member 52 in a snug fit whentoggle latch clamp 41 is drawn down. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the rim whichhas mounting features similar to those of backboard 33. The clamp 41 ispassed through notched slit 38 b of lower rim accommodating region 38and engages the lower section of tube 52. Walls 39 and 40 of thebackboard rim mount advance through notched slits 38 b and 38 ccapturing tongue bar 38 a, which is flush with the face of backboardframe 35 of backboard 33. Slit 38 b is notched convexly outward toaccommodate the width of clamp 41 pivotably attached to backboard claimwall 39. Likewise, slit 38 c is also notched convexly outward toaccommodate the width of hook 40 a of backward clamp wall 40.

FIG. 7 shows foundation box 10 with watertight storage compartment 60 assealed by lid 11 against elastomeric gasket 61 under the pressureprovided by hinge 12 and cam locks 65 and 66 when in the closedposition. Note the circular pattern of three keyways 64. These engagethree male key prongs 51 on the bottom of base pivot 15 when prongs 51are inserted in the enlarged openings and then twisted in a clockwisedirection. Front keyways 62 and 63 engage male key prongs 51 on the endsof strut pivots 28 and 29 when they are inserted and then spread apart.Note that as a safety feature, struts 26 and 27 cannot be inserted untilthe handles of cam locks 65 and 66 are turned out of the interferenceposition; this turning action also engages the cam locks to secure lid11 in a closed engagement with foundation box 10. Note that the keywayopenings in lid 11 are sealed internally with spaced apart covers toprevent water seepage while not blocking the keyways themselves. In sometypes of substrate, box 10 with the help of rim 14 will provide adequatepull-out resistance to act as a foundation for the basketball goal.However, in softer ground a ballast box 70 as in FIG. 8 is required.This is placed deeper down below foundation box 10 as shown in FIGS. 9and 10. Ballast box 70 has a hatch opening 73 on its bottom whichprovides access for the feet of a person during the excavation as shownin FIG. 9. This makes it more convenient to carefully level box 70; 56is the upper excavation which will accommodate foundation box 10, whilelower excavation 57 makes space for the person to be at a lower level.After the leveling is complete, area 57 is backfilled with material 55and hatch cover 72 is bolted to the bottom using bolts through clearanceholes 75 into threaded holes 76. Ballast, such as rocks or brokenconcrete, can then be introduced into box 70. Then foundation box 10 isattached to the rim of ballast box 70 above side walls 71. Bolts throughclearance holes 67 in flange 14 are screwed into threaded holes 74 toaccomplish the attachment. Note that box 10 can be inverted and nestedwithin box 70 for shipping purposes.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of goal 1 in the low position for attachmentor detachment of backboard and rim (dashed lines), as well as in thedeployed position. Note that collar 25 moves from the top of postsection 17 to the bottom in making the transition. It is locked via aspring pin 82 when in the deployed position. Index pin 80 lockstelescoping section 16 to section 17 at the extended position. Hinge 19,between sections 17 and 18, is locked by an adjacent spring pin. Indexpin 81 adjusts the degree of extension of top telescoping member 20 viaan array of holes on its top surface (about 3″ apart). Height h1 isclose to regulation height, while further extension of 20 will take itto its limit, and retraction inward will bring it down to height h2.Spring pin 83 locks in the appropriate angle between distal segment 52and telescoping section 20 to insure the verticality of backboard 33 assegment 52 is rotated via hinge 53. Telescoping member 16 can beretracted for a further lower height h3, such as six to eight feet abovethe ground.

FIG. 12 is a top view of an auxiliary mounting plate 85 with pattern ofkeyways 62, 63 and 64 and straight keyways 62 and 63 at the samerelative positions as on foundation box lid 11. This rigid plate can beattached to a rigid in-ground framework or to a series of stakes viascrew holes 86 at a location remote from the in-ground storagecompartment. FIG. 13 shows a kit 88 including one three-keyway plate 89and two identical straight keyway plates 90. These can be easilyinstalled so that their upper surface is flush with the floor levelinside a gym. If the floor is wood, round depressions can be routed atthe appropriate spacings and plates 89 and 90 are then simply screweddown with flat heat screws in the countersink clearance holes in theplates. This would permit use of the portable goal of this invention inan interior space.

While FIG. 12 shows keyways 62 flush with plate 85, in a furtherembodiment, plate 85 can be recessed within the ground, acting as aballast, whereby keyways 62, 63 and 64 are elevated by structural towerposts (not shown) to be flush with the ground playing surface area.

FIG. 14 shows a heavy duty adjustable hinge 95 that can be substitutedfor hinges 19 and 53 (and their adjacent spring pins). This particulardesign is operated by pulling out handle 96 until it clicks open torelease the hinge. By rotating the members to the desired position andclicking it back in under spring force, the hinge would be locked in thealternate position. The design illustrated is an invention of Boothe(U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,045). A similar push button operated adjustablelocking hinge can also be used; an example is the invention of Lee (U.S.Pat. No. 6,711,780).

It is further noted that hinges 19 and 53 are on the rearward side ofpost assembly 4, so that if a structural member or fastener fails, thebackboard 33 will only fall rearward, away from the playing area.

An alternate embodiment of this invention is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.In this embodiment, all components are pre-attached; and fold andtelescope such that they fit within a storage compartment in watertightfoundation box 101 which may be attached to ballast box 130 via boltsthrough flange 102. Lid 104 is the main attachment for the dual parallelposts that ultimately bear the weight of the other support elements aswell as backboard 115 with folding rim 125 which is attached via hinge126. In the locked position, lid 104 is kept tightly closed via camlocks 105, hinge 106 and gasket 103. In the open position, two foldinglocking struts 107, pivoted at one end at the inner sides of box 101 andat the distal end at lid 104, are used to position lid 104 at a rightangle to box 101. Two square tubing sections 108 are attached to lid104. Telescoping sections 110 emanate from them with an array of holeswhich are used to set the desired rim height by using a spring pinthrough a single hole neat the top end of sections 108 (an index pin canalso be used). Two parallel post members 112 are swung around on hinges111 and locked at a preferable angle of 48 degrees (to the horizontal)using adjacent spring pins. Backboard 115 attached to support posts 122is swung from the front side of members 112 into the deployed positionvia hinges 121 at each end of rod 120 and locked in the verticalposition using adjacent spring pins and/or rigid strut 129. To permitbackboard 115 to fit into a smaller storage compartment, it has acentral section 116 attached to support posts 122. On each side of 116are wing sections 117 which are hinged to 116 and are rotated parallelto 116 and locked in place with latches prior to use. FIG. 16 shows themotion of the various sections during the deployment or take-downoperations (using dashed lines with arrow heads).

The alternate embodiment can be erected or taken down conveniently andquickly. The operation can be streamlined by replacing hinges 121 (andtheir adjacent spring pins) with two adjustable locking hinges such asare shown in FIG. 14.

In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual depictions areused to illustrate the preferred embodiment. However, no unnecessarylimitations are to be construed by the terms used or illustrationsdepicted, beyond what is shown in the prior art, since the terms andillustrations are exemplary only, and are not meant to limit the scopeof the present invention.

It is further known that other modifications may be made to the presentinvention, without departing the scope of the invention, as noted in theappended Claims.

1. A self-storing basketball goal system comprising: a) a foundation boxhaving a pivotable top cover with a hinge along one edge movable from ahorizontal position closing said box and a vertical position fordeployment of a basketball game; b) said basketball goal comprising: i)a post assembly having a top end and a bottom end telescoped into abottom surface of said top cover; ii) a backboard attached to said topend of said post assembly, said backboard having a hinge attached hoop,said backboard and hoop stored within said foundation box when said gameis not deployed; iii) said post assembly being extendable from said topcover when extending vertically from said hinge for deploying said game;iv) a pair of folding locking struts for supporting said top cover in avertical position; and v) said post assembly having hinged foldablemembers for allowing said post assembly to be telescoped and folded downto fit into said foundation box along with said backboard and hoop forstorage or extended and unfolded for deployment of said basketball game.2. The portable basketball game system of claim 1 in which said postassembly comprises parallel, spaced post members.
 3. A self-storingbasketball goal system comprising: a) a foundation box; b) a portablebasketball goal comprising a backboard and hoop rim, said backboardbeing attached to the a distal end section of a dual post assembly, saiddual post assembly being foldable and telescopic into said storagecontainer; said storage compartment having a lid including a pair ofhollow tubing sections attached in a parallel relationship to anunderside of said lid, said lid openable from a closed horizontalposition to an open vertical position of use, a pair of parallel captivetelescoping support posts, each insertable within a respective hollowparallel tubing section of said pair of hollow parallel tubing sections,a pair of parallel folding locking struts pivoted at respective proximalends thereof at respective opposite inner sides of said storagecontainer and at respective distal ends to each said hollow tubingsection attached to said lid, said captive telescoping support postsslidably movably to respective fixed positions within each saidrespective hollow tubing sections to said rim at one predeterminedheight of a regulation height, a lower than regulation height or aheight exceeding regulation height; a pair of parallel upper postmembers pivotable attachable respective upper distal ends of each saidcaptive telescoping support post, said pair of parallel upper postmembers being swung around on respective hinges and locked at apreferable angle using adjacent spring pins; said backboard beingattached to said pair of parallel support posts in the deployed positionand locked in the vertical position by a lock.
 4. The portablebasketball goal as in claim 3 wherein said backboard is expandable insize for use and retractable in size to fit within said storagecontainer.
 5. A basketball backboard and hoop rim assembly comprising: apost holding a basketball backboard at a predetermined height above theground; said basketball backboard having a frame; said frame having fourouter peripheral walls and an intermediate wall forming a window framethere between; said window having a tongue bar between a pair of slitsaccommodating a pair of parallel walls extending rearward from abasketball hoop rim; said slits being notched convexly outward toaccommodate a toggle latch clamp attached to one of said parallel wallsand a toggle latch hook attached to another of said parallel walls; saidwalls of said toggle latch clamp having a depth there between defining arecess accommodating said post holding up said basketball backboard. 6.The basketball backboard and hoop rim assembly as in claim 5 furthercomprising said backboard from having a further toggle latch clamphaving a pair of parallel walls having a depth there between defining arecess accommodation, said post holding up said basketball backboard.